Leo and his guide had been traveling for several days, following the trail of the Sunblade. They had left the city behind, and entered a wild and dangerous land, where monsters and bandits roamed freely. They had to be alert and cautious, as they faced many perils and threats.
One day, they were riding through a forest, when they heard a loud and angry roar. They looked around, and saw a group of orcs emerging from the trees. The orcs were large and muscular creatures, with green skin, tusks, and red eyes. They wore leather armor and carried axes and spears. They looked fierce and hungry, and they had spotted Leo and his guide.
The guide cursed.
He said:
Orcs! Blast it! We've been ambushed!
He drew his sword, and turned to Leo.
He said:
Quick, boy! Get ready to fight! These brutes won't show us any mercy!
Leo felt a surge of fear and adrenaline. He had never fought orcs before, or any other monsters for that matter. He had only sparred with the village warriors, who had taught him how to use a sword and a bow. He didn't know if he was ready for this.
But he also felt a spark of courage and determination. He remembered his vision, his prophecy, his destiny. He remembered the dark lord, the Sunblade, the world he had to save. He remembered Mia, his love, his light, his hope.
He drew his sword, and nodded to his guide.
He said:
I'm ready. Let's do this.
The guide smiled.
He said:
That's the spirit, boy! Come on then! Let's show these orcs what we're made of!
They charged at the orcs, who roared back and met them in battle.
The fight was fierce and brutal. The orcs outnumbered them, but Leo and his guide fought with skill and courage. They dodged and parried, slashed and stabbed, wounded and killed. They worked as a team, covering each other's backs and exploiting each other's strengths.
Leo surprised himself with his performance. He fought like a seasoned warrior, not like a novice. He used his speed and agility to avoid the orcs' attacks, and his strength and precision to strike back. He used his sword to cut through their armor, and his bow to shoot them from afar. He felt a rush of excitement and confidence, as he proved his courage and skill in combat.
He also felt a pang of horror and pity, as he saw the orcs fall before him. He realized that they were living beings too, with feelings and thoughts. He wondered what made them so evil and violent, what drove them to attack him and his guide. He wondered if they had families and friends, who would mourn their deaths. He wondered if there was another way to deal with them, without killing them.
But he didn't have time to dwell on these questions. He had to focus on surviving the fight, on fulfilling his mission, on finding the Sunblade.
He fought on, until there were no more orcs left standing.
He looked around, and saw a scene of carnage and bloodshed. The forest floor was littered with corpses and weapons, broken limbs and severed heads. The air was filled with the smell of death and the sound of silence.
He felt a mix of relief and sadness. He had survived the fight, but at what cost? How many lives had he taken? How many souls had he sent to the afterlife?
He turned to his guide, who was wiping his sword on an orc's cloak.
He said:
Are you alright?
The guide nodded.
He said:
I'm fine, boy. Just a few scratches. Nothing serious.
He looked at Leo with admiration.
He said:
You fought well, boy. Very well indeed. You have courage and skill in combat. You are a true warrior.
Leo smiled weakly.
He said:
Thank you. You fought well too. You are a great guide.
The guide smiled back.
He said:
Thank you too. You are a great companion.
They sheathed their swords, mounted their horses, and continued their journey.
They didn't know that they were being watched by a pair of red eyes from the shadows